Argentina / Malbec Grape
Quite the journey this grape has endured. From a French grape more used for blending, to a plunk wine with little inspiration, to a dark, mysterious stranger that everyone likes. All who wander are not lost.
Malbec was considered a lesser grape in Bordeaux for most of its life. When the Plague to end all Plagues hit France in the late 1880s, Malbec was eschewed to protect established (and easier to cultivate) grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Malbec became an afterthought, as it is more difficult to grow in Bourdeaux’s wet climate. All that said, Malbec is still one of the 6 grapes of Bordeaux.
Malbec vines were transplanted by Domingo Fautstino Sarmiento and Michel Pouget, first to Chile then to Argentina.
Growing conditions in Argentina are much different than in France. Namely, more sun, less rain and higher altitude. Malbec changed its personality, from a difficult, subtle wine, to a wine easy to drink, and easy to cultivate. The change of scenery did the grape some good.
Malbec kept going, barely hanging on. In Argentina there was a preference to push more established grapes like Cabernet and Chardonnay. (Can you imagine Argentina w/out Malbec?) This continued until the 1990s, when Malbec started to gain popularity outside of Argentina. So naturally wine growers in Argentina started pushing Malbec.
As Argentina grew economically, with ups and down, so did its wine industry. Malbec went from quantity toward a greater emphasis on quality.
Fast forward to today, and you have fantastic wine that is affordable, fun, and elegant at the same time. Not often those three words are paired next to each other, but that is the power of Malbec. Less buttoned up and serious than a Bordeaux, but still with depth and character to spare, and very inviting. Malbec pairs with steak (obviously), pasta, pizza, burger, tacos, provelata (grilled provolone cheese, sliced thick), and more. You are in good company.
France still produces Malbec, but Argentina is Malbec’s undeniable home today. You need to be careful on the lower end of the spectrum, as some Malbecs can best be described as jammy, at worst bubble gum like.
Every Day
- Pascual Estate Toso – 90 points under $ 10??
- Finca El Origen Reserva
- Santa Julia Malbec
- Black Cabra Malbec
A Little Nicer
- Luigi Bosca
- Piattelli Reserve Malbec
- Salentein Reserve Malbec
Special Occasion
- El Enimigo
- Luca G Lot Pinot Noir